Senior Healthcare Assistant

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Senior Healthcare Assistant Band 3 - £21,730 - £23,177 per annum Full Time - 37.5 hours per week Location - The Linden Centre, Chelmsford

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic, committed and experienced individual who is willing to work in a Female Adult Acute inpatient environment that caters for service users with enduring mental health illnesses and is based in Chelmsford. The Individual will be working within a MDT setting and will be joining a friendly team within a Well Led unit.

Not enough experience but still want to join EPUT as a Health Care Assistant?

We have a solution for you.

If you have been successful at the interview stage, but do not have enough experience for this role, you may be offered a position as a Band 2 Heath Care Assistant Apprentice. As part of the Band 2 HCA role you will be enrolled onto the Apprenticeship scheme, providing you with the opportunity to earn as you learn. This role enables you to gain valuable experience on the wards/community settings whilst working towards gaining your Care Certificate and naturally progressing into the guaranteed Band 3 HCA role.

Main duties of the job

The role will be to assist the professional team in providing care for patients in an in-patient environment. Under supervision of qualified team memberyou will also implement and assist with the evaluation of individual plans of care.

It is a requirement of this position to participate in a flexible rostering arrangement to provide 24-hour care.

We believe our workforce are our strongest asset and we make it a priority to ensure we develop and create strong career pathways for our current and new staff joining us. Our HCA Role works at a band 3 level, however if you do not have enough experience but still want to join EPUT as a Health Care Assistant, we have a solution for you:

If you have been successful at the interview stage, but do not have enough experience for this role, you may be offered a position as a Band 2 Heath Care Assistant Apprentice. As part of the Band 2 HCA role you will be enrolled onto the Apprenticeship scheme, providing you with the opportunity to earn as you learn. This role enables you to gain valuable experience on the wards/community settings whilst working towards gaining your Care Certificate and naturally progressing into the guaranteed Band 3 HCA role.

About us

EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;

  • Season Ticket Loans
  • NHS discounts for staff
  • Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
  • Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
  • The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
  • Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
  • Day One Flexible Employer

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment

Join our Staff bank

What is Staff Bank?

Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.

All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.

If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.

Date posted

21 March 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£21,730 to £23,177 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-07-J

Job locations

The Linden Centre

Puddings Wood Drive

Chelmsford

CM1 7LF


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

You will be responsible for assisting the professional team in providing care for patients in an in-patient environment. Working from time to time without direct supervision but under the supervision of qualified team member, you will implement and assist with the evaluation of individual plans of care for patients and in their management and care under the guidance of the ward manager.

You will be expected to work collaboratively with key partner organisations, service users, carers, clinicians and other practitioners within the multi-disciplinary team in delivering services; providing a 7 day a week, 24 hours a day service for 365 days a year working shifts as appropriate and as rostered.

In delivering your duties you are expected to display behaviours that are aligned with the Trust values and as required in accordance with the NHS Constitution at all times.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Please note that this role outline serves to provide an illustrative example of the duties and responsibilities you may be expected to undertake during the course of your normal duties. It is not an exhaustive list and you will therefore be required to undertake other responsibilities and duties that are considered to be commensurate with the band.

Core Clinical Function

  • Maintain effective relationships with patients, their relatives and other carers
  • Maintain effective relationships with members of the multidisciplinary team, Trust and other statutory and voluntary organisations.
  • Implement prescribed nursing care to patients, taking into account physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs
  • Fulfil the role of Associate/Co Worker under the supervision of a qualified nurse/clinician.
  • Report and record the results of implemented plans of care in the appropriate and agreed format.
  • Contribute to the management and support of patient who exhibit challenging behaviour. Participate in interventions relating to the management of violence and aggression including de-escalation techniques and the use of physical intervention (DC&R techniques) as necessary, under the supervision of a qualified nurse.
  • Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living; including personal hygiene, dietary intake etc. with due regard to the philosophy of normalisation
  • Help individuals to maintain independence from others by assisting the development of daily living, domestic, communication and social skills.
  • Assist qualified staff in the physical monitoring of a patients health, including monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, drug and alcohol screening (after appropriate training)
  • Undertake whatever duties are necessary to maintain a safe environment free from unnecessary hazards.
  • Report to senior staff any abnormalities, accidents, untoward incidents or observations relating to a patient or patients care.
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patient, relatives, carers and staff.
  • Maintain confidentiality of information according to Trust policy
  • Ensure that the patients dignity and privacy is maintained
  • Ensure effective communication with patients, carers, visitors and staff.
  • Observe the requirements of the Mental Health Act 1983, Childrens Act and Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult procedures
  • Adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures
  • Under the direction of Qualified staff, fulfil the link roles for specified areas as required under supervision i.e. infection control, health and safety
  • Assist senior staff in the planning and delivery of therapeutic and social activities for patients in the clinical area
  • Refer all enquiries regarding patients or departmental information to the senior staff
  • When necessary, accompany/escort patients both inside and outside of the hospital as directed by senior staff

Core Non-Clinical Support

  • Monitor supplies of laundry, emergency clothing and toiletries
  • Report and document incidents as required
  • Report all malfunctions, shortage and inadequacies of equipment and supplies to senior staff.
  • Co-operate with senior staff to report and investigate incidents such as complaints and accidents and ensure that appropriate documentation is completed.
  • Take part in service development and review
  • Ensure the service meets the agreed performance / contractual targets and adheres to local and government initiatives

PROFESSIONAL DELIVERY FRAMEWORK

In addition to core clinical and non-clinical support the following are additional key activities identified as being necessary to the role in the delivery of your normal day to day activities.

  • Undertake and complete training relevant to the national Care Certificate competency framework
  • Complete Mandatory Training in line with the Trust Policy
  • Be aware of own development and training needs and participate in Performance Reviews, study days and in-service training programmes.
  • Receive annual appraisal
  • Take all allocated annual leave
  • Receive management supervision as appropriate
  • Receive clinical supervision as appropriate
  • Provide supervision of junior staff as directed by senior staff.
  • Attend seminars/conferences and other CPD events external/internal
  • Attend Team meetings i.e. referral/review/business as appropriate
  • Attend additional In-house developmental training, or support delivery of a number of mandatory training e.g. STORM, C&R, Infection Control, Safeguarding
  • Be an Infection Control Link person (to support 1st level nurse) as required
  • Be a Remedy representative/trainer as required

At EPUT we believe our workforce are our strongest asset and we make it a priority to ensure we develop and create strong career pathways for our current staff and new staff coming in to our organisation. Our Health Care Support Worker Role works at a band 3 level, however we want to offer the opportunity to those that may not have the current qualifications or relevant experience the chance to start their NHS career and would welcome and encourage applications from those that do not meet the personal specification but are willing to undergo additional training required to fulfil the job role.

Due to our strong sense of commitment in our staff training and development we will automatically enrol every successful health care support worker we appoint on to an apprenticeship unless you declare otherwise at interview. Please be aware however if you do not currently hold the relevant skills and qualification to meet the essential criteria to work as a band 3 Health Care Assistant and do not wish to undertake an apprenticeship we will be unable to continue with your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

You will be responsible for assisting the professional team in providing care for patients in an in-patient environment. Working from time to time without direct supervision but under the supervision of qualified team member, you will implement and assist with the evaluation of individual plans of care for patients and in their management and care under the guidance of the ward manager.

You will be expected to work collaboratively with key partner organisations, service users, carers, clinicians and other practitioners within the multi-disciplinary team in delivering services; providing a 7 day a week, 24 hours a day service for 365 days a year working shifts as appropriate and as rostered.

In delivering your duties you are expected to display behaviours that are aligned with the Trust values and as required in accordance with the NHS Constitution at all times.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Please note that this role outline serves to provide an illustrative example of the duties and responsibilities you may be expected to undertake during the course of your normal duties. It is not an exhaustive list and you will therefore be required to undertake other responsibilities and duties that are considered to be commensurate with the band.

Core Clinical Function

  • Maintain effective relationships with patients, their relatives and other carers
  • Maintain effective relationships with members of the multidisciplinary team, Trust and other statutory and voluntary organisations.
  • Implement prescribed nursing care to patients, taking into account physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs
  • Fulfil the role of Associate/Co Worker under the supervision of a qualified nurse/clinician.
  • Report and record the results of implemented plans of care in the appropriate and agreed format.
  • Contribute to the management and support of patient who exhibit challenging behaviour. Participate in interventions relating to the management of violence and aggression including de-escalation techniques and the use of physical intervention (DC&R techniques) as necessary, under the supervision of a qualified nurse.
  • Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living; including personal hygiene, dietary intake etc. with due regard to the philosophy of normalisation
  • Help individuals to maintain independence from others by assisting the development of daily living, domestic, communication and social skills.
  • Assist qualified staff in the physical monitoring of a patients health, including monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, drug and alcohol screening (after appropriate training)
  • Undertake whatever duties are necessary to maintain a safe environment free from unnecessary hazards.
  • Report to senior staff any abnormalities, accidents, untoward incidents or observations relating to a patient or patients care.
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patient, relatives, carers and staff.
  • Maintain confidentiality of information according to Trust policy
  • Ensure that the patients dignity and privacy is maintained
  • Ensure effective communication with patients, carers, visitors and staff.
  • Observe the requirements of the Mental Health Act 1983, Childrens Act and Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult procedures
  • Adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures
  • Under the direction of Qualified staff, fulfil the link roles for specified areas as required under supervision i.e. infection control, health and safety
  • Assist senior staff in the planning and delivery of therapeutic and social activities for patients in the clinical area
  • Refer all enquiries regarding patients or departmental information to the senior staff
  • When necessary, accompany/escort patients both inside and outside of the hospital as directed by senior staff

Core Non-Clinical Support

  • Monitor supplies of laundry, emergency clothing and toiletries
  • Report and document incidents as required
  • Report all malfunctions, shortage and inadequacies of equipment and supplies to senior staff.
  • Co-operate with senior staff to report and investigate incidents such as complaints and accidents and ensure that appropriate documentation is completed.
  • Take part in service development and review
  • Ensure the service meets the agreed performance / contractual targets and adheres to local and government initiatives

PROFESSIONAL DELIVERY FRAMEWORK

In addition to core clinical and non-clinical support the following are additional key activities identified as being necessary to the role in the delivery of your normal day to day activities.

  • Undertake and complete training relevant to the national Care Certificate competency framework
  • Complete Mandatory Training in line with the Trust Policy
  • Be aware of own development and training needs and participate in Performance Reviews, study days and in-service training programmes.
  • Receive annual appraisal
  • Take all allocated annual leave
  • Receive management supervision as appropriate
  • Receive clinical supervision as appropriate
  • Provide supervision of junior staff as directed by senior staff.
  • Attend seminars/conferences and other CPD events external/internal
  • Attend Team meetings i.e. referral/review/business as appropriate
  • Attend additional In-house developmental training, or support delivery of a number of mandatory training e.g. STORM, C&R, Infection Control, Safeguarding
  • Be an Infection Control Link person (to support 1st level nurse) as required
  • Be a Remedy representative/trainer as required

At EPUT we believe our workforce are our strongest asset and we make it a priority to ensure we develop and create strong career pathways for our current staff and new staff coming in to our organisation. Our Health Care Support Worker Role works at a band 3 level, however we want to offer the opportunity to those that may not have the current qualifications or relevant experience the chance to start their NHS career and would welcome and encourage applications from those that do not meet the personal specification but are willing to undergo additional training required to fulfil the job role.

Due to our strong sense of commitment in our staff training and development we will automatically enrol every successful health care support worker we appoint on to an apprenticeship unless you declare otherwise at interview. Please be aware however if you do not currently hold the relevant skills and qualification to meet the essential criteria to work as a band 3 Health Care Assistant and do not wish to undertake an apprenticeship we will be unable to continue with your application.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

  • Level III of National Vocational Qualification Scheme or equivalent experience and commitment to training and development
  • Experience of working with patients with mental health problems.
  • Commitment to and attainment of, the national Care Certificate no later than 6 months from date of appointment.

Desirable

  • Experience of liaising and working within a team.
  • National Care Certificate

Knowledge

Essential

  • Basic understanding of mental health condition and its effect on day to day living.

Desirable

  • An understanding of the roles of multi-professional team members.
  • Knowledge of statutory and non-statutory agencies

Skills / Experiance

Essential

  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to motivate individually.

Desirable

  • Ability to organise individual and group activity.
Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

  • Level III of National Vocational Qualification Scheme or equivalent experience and commitment to training and development
  • Experience of working with patients with mental health problems.
  • Commitment to and attainment of, the national Care Certificate no later than 6 months from date of appointment.

Desirable

  • Experience of liaising and working within a team.
  • National Care Certificate

Knowledge

Essential

  • Basic understanding of mental health condition and its effect on day to day living.

Desirable

  • An understanding of the roles of multi-professional team members.
  • Knowledge of statutory and non-statutory agencies

Skills / Experiance

Essential

  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to motivate individually.

Desirable

  • Ability to organise individual and group activity.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Linden Centre

Puddings Wood Drive

Chelmsford

CM1 7LF


Employer's website

https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Linden Centre

Puddings Wood Drive

Chelmsford

CM1 7LF


Employer's website

https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Service Manager

Doreen Mhone

doreen.mhone@nhs.net

Date posted

21 March 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£21,730 to £23,177 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-07-J

Job locations

The Linden Centre

Puddings Wood Drive

Chelmsford

CM1 7LF


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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